# NORFOLK SOUTHERN BELLEVUE FACILITY — EXPANSION

- **Sector:** Rail Facilities
- **Client:** Norfolk Southern Corporation
- **Location:** Bellevue, OH
- **State:** Ohio
- **Status:** complete

## By the Numbers

- 195K TN Aggregates
- 50K LF Storm Sewer
- 200K CY Earthwork Excavation
- 2.3M LBS Structural Steel

## Challenge

The execution of a major facility improvement project within the confines of one of the busiest and largest active rail facilities in the Norfolk Southern network. The work would impact an over six-mile operating yard, requiring constant communication with ongoing rail operations to avoid disruptions while maintaining progress on critical infrastructure improvements.

## Solution

Building on an already strong relationship with Norfolk-Southern and in close coordination with the Engineer, E.S. Wagner developed a value-engineered construction methodology that addressed unstable site conditions while creating a durable, all-weather surface to maintain project momentum. This innovative approach and redesign effort enabled ESW to meet critical milestones and complete the 21-mile classification yard on schedule.

## Project Scope

E.S. Wagner (ESW) served as the prime contractor for the expansion of the Norfolk Southern Rail Yard Facility in Bellevue, Ohio—one of the largest and busiest classification yards in the network. Work was performed within the footprint of the existing six-mile-long active yard, requiring careful coordination with ongoing rail operations. The project included major earthwork, aggregate placement, and installation of storm, sanitary, water, and exfiltration systems, along with asphalt paving, electrical, communication and signal conduit, and compressed air systems. A key component was the construction of a phased bridge structure adjacent to the active hump master retarder, supported by over 5,300 linear feet of drilled secant shafts and substantial reinforced concrete and structural steel. To overcome poor subsurface conditions, ESW implemented an innovative redesign that eliminated off-site borrow and chemical soil modification. This approach enabled the successful completion of 21 track miles of new classification yard infrastructure on schedule.